Spalted Tamarind
Tamarindus indica · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Tropical Africa; widely cultivated in Southern Asia and Northern Australia.
- Hardness
- 2,690 lbf (Extremely Hard)
- Durability
- Spalted areas are Non-durable; solid heartwood is Durable but highly susceptible to insect attack and rot once fungal spalting has begun.
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Grain Pattern
Highly irregular and wild pattern due to spalting; features dramatic black zone lines and variegated fungal patterns across a generally straight to wavy background grain.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is typically a pale yellow to light brown, while the spalting adds high-contrast black, gray, and dark brown lines. Often shows golden or reddish hues with a natural low to medium luster.
Hardness (Janka)
2,690 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Spalted areas are Non-durable; solid heartwood is Durable but highly susceptible to insect attack and rot once fungal spalting has begun.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- Ranges from $15.00 to $30.00 per board foot depending on the intensity and aesthetic flow of the spalting patterns.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern cut; spalting indicates the wood was harvested after initial fungal decay had begun but before structural integrity was lost.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable but availability varies by region.
Common Uses
Turning blanks, knife handles, fine furniture accents, decorative bowls, veneer, and high-end artisanal small crafts.
Geographic Origin
Tropical Africa; widely cultivated in Southern Asia and Northern Australia.
Workability
Difficult due to high density and interlocked grain; the spalted (decayed) areas are much softer than the surrounding wood, leading to uneven sanding and potential tearout.
Finish Recommendations
Stabilizing finishes like CA glue or high-penetration resin are often used for soft spots; finishes with clear oils or polyurethane to highlight the high-contrast spalting lines.
Notable Features
Distinctive black 'map-like' lines caused by competing fungi; incredibly dense and heavy; sawdust can be an irritant to the respiratory system.
